Rather cold again. I went to town and was employed very uninterruptedly all my time. Went and collected Dividends and entered them in my accounts, paid bills, made inquiries respecting Mr. Johnson’s Mortgages, the houses being about to be sold under a settlement of Mr. Thorndike’s affairs. Mr. Brooks thinks the probability is they will not sell for much more than the Mortgages. There is reason to apprehend some difficulty from Mr. Coolidge who mingles with every thing.1 He wants to buy the Houses without an atom of property to pay for them and the object is to prevent him.

At the House to see the Masons about a furnace instead of the troublesome plan of an entry stove and additional grates. From thence to 326the house in Hancock Street to superintend the repairs. I was late out of town.

Afternoon short. The gravel carts were going all day and accomplished about two thirds of the work. I was occupied in regular labour which improves my health. Evening again devoted to my other labour which makes progress.